LAS VEGAS – Lakers executives have long defended their use of advanced statistics, disputing the public perception that the 16-time NBA champions are behind the times.

The organization, however, is taking steps to strengthen the analytics side of things, with plans to create a position for a staff member to facilitate better communication between the basketball staff and those crunching the numbers.

Assistant coach and advance scout Clay Moser is expected to transition from the bench to the front office in a ...

LAS VEGAS – Some clarification is needed on Robert Upshaw’s situation with the Lakers.

The team was reportedly preparing to sign the troubled center over the weekend, according to multiple outlets. The Register reported a two-year contract, with the first year partially guaranteed, had been signed.

That was premature, although the structure of a deal is in place.

Upshaw is scheduled to meet with Lakers executives on Thursday, at the request of General Manager Mitch Kupchak. It’s an unsurprising step in ...

EL SEGUNDO – Robert Upshaw said Julius Randle is an “ox.” D’Angelo Russell called him a “beast” and Jordan Clarkson likened him to a “monster.”

All of the terms have been used to explain that the Lakers lottery pick in 2014 is impressively in-shape during a week of Summer League practices. But those three players are relatively new to the NBA game. One can only wonder how an NBA veteran might evaluate Randle’s improved physique.

EL SEGUNDO – Byron Scott learned a hard lesson last year when, two months into the season, the Lakers player best at making baskets and drawing crowds, was physically drained and in need of a weeks-long break to recoup.

Not long after, Kobe Bryant tore his rotator cuff, knocking him out for the rest of the season.

With likely one more season together before Bryant retires, Scott plans to handle things differently. However, he said he isn’t quite sure how he will ...

Monday’s summer league practice marked Julius Randle’s first full speed five-on-five basketball since suffering a broken right tibia in last season’s opener on Oct. 28. Randle has been said to have expanded his game to include a more reliable jump shot, and he said he has lost 15 pounds.

After going through what he described as a “training camp practice” on Monday, he said he is in better shape now than when he first arrived for one of Coach Byron Scott’s ...